Advice for buyers

What should I look for in a used Citroën C5 estate?

Up to 50% of its problems centre on the electrics, and things have a habit of failing suddenly. The dashboard, stereo and air-con are regular concerns, but make sure all controls and switches work.

Automatic gearboxes can also prove problematic, with owners complaining of cars slipping into 'failure mode', and dealers struggling to find the exact cause.

The hydropneumatic suspension system is sealed at the factory and doesn't need servicing. However, it can fail and the hydraulic pump may need replacing. Others complaints talk about the system developing a mind of its own, and adjusting its ride height at will.

Clutches on 2.0 diesels can need rebuilding after 50,000 miles, and the cost can stretch into four figures.